Atlanta enjoys a mild climate, with the exception of the summer months. During the summer, the temperatures can soar to over 100 degrees, but usually the mercury hovers just below that mark. While not as hot as some western states, the average humidity makes the temperature, feel much higher than that. Spring and autumn are excellent seasons in this southern city, with the cooler temperatures and cool breezes. Spring brings 70-degree weather and plenty of sunshine for the budding trees and flowers around the city, while autumn brings 70-degree days and cooler nights, encouraging gatherings around a fireplace or just a large table at one of the city's many eating establishments.
Winter in the city of Atlanta is usually cool by Southern standards, but visitors from the north will find it very comfortable. The true cold doesn't usually set in until after January, with only a couple of months of true winter. Even then, snow is unlikely; the winter weather pattern is usually partly cloudy or rainy with 60 degrees as an average high for the area. Atlanta's winter weather, while not known for snow, can change quickly, going from 60 degrees to below freezing, with sleet and freezing rain creating an environment best suited to staying home with family and friends. MARTA, the city's transit system is not usually hampered by the weather and, so, is your best bet for getting around in icy conditions, which can occur.
Spring is one of the best seasons to visit Atlanta. Residents open their windows and doors to let in the warm sunlight and soft breezes and the air comes alive with music, laughter and the sweet scent of growing things. The trees all along Atlanta's streets begin blooming, just in time for the Dogwood Festival, when the white petals of the dogwood tree perfume the city and gently fall to soften the contours of the sidewalks and streets. Residents love to eat outdoors during spring in Atlanta, enjoying family and friends in the open air and living life.
Summer gives the reason for one of Atlanta's nicknames-Hotlanta. While the temperature usually doesn't go much beyond 100 degrees, the high humidity makes working outdoors for a long period dangerous unless you take correct precautions. The city hums and bustles during the day, but truly comes awake just before sunset, when the bars and restaurants open their doors to the soft Southern night air and the city basks in neon light, laughter and the sound of music and the occasional meandering thunderstorm.
Fall is another fantastic season to be in Atlanta. The weather is warm during the day and cool at night. The leaves begin to change colors, decorating Atlanta's streets and parks with warm colors that evoke memories of nights spent around the fireplace, good friends and quiet walks in the cool night air. Fall in Atlanta brings rain showers and colorful leaves, fall festivals and fairs and good companionship and laughter.